Historic Window Replacement

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How do you know that our products are the highest quality? We use them in our own homes! In today’s blog, our long-time teammate, Karen, shares the story of her brand-new window recently installed in her St. Matthews home.

The Problem

Like many in St. Matthews, Karen’s is an older home. Her original front window added a great deal of character and charm. However, at this point in its life, the window was not efficient. Karen mentioned that while sitting on the couch in that room, with backs to the window, she and her husband could feel a breeze on the backs of their necks. Something had to give. They didn’t want to sacrifice the beauty of the window, but they needed to control the air getting into the house.

The original window.

The old, drafty window let an uncomfortable breeze into the room.

The Solution

They decided to go with a Marvin replacement. As they made their selection, it was very important to them to keep the overall historic look of the home. Thankfully, Marvin excels at historic replacements, and had all of the design features that Karen wanted. She and her husband chose a narrow divided light, vertical grid on the top portion of the window (precisely like the original window), and no dividers on the bottom portion.

Close-up of the window shows the historical design.

Karen and her husband were able to select a Marvin window that perfectly matched the original window.

One thing that we love about working with the Marvin products is their attention to historic detail. These elements help us maintain the look of historical homes in neighborhoods throughout areas like St. Matthews and the Highlands. More importantly, thanks to new technology, Marvin windows perform better and last longer.

In today’s world there’s no reason to have a window that lets in drafts, so let your window work for you. Whether you’re building a new home or replacing a window from the 1930s, we can help you choose the best design and look for your home, no matter the size or scale! Give us a call or stop by our showroom to get started on your next replacement project.

Click here to see Karen talk about her replacement project!

Noise Abatement

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New windows and doors aren’t just about aesthetics. Sometimes we’ll get a customer with a very specific need and we never shy away from a challenge! For example, this customer presented a unique problem: noise abatement.

The Problem

Rick and Kay built their house in Eastern Jefferson County in 1999. A few years ago, Interstate 265 expanded, and the noise from the new highway became impossible to ignore. All day long, but especially at night while they were trying to sleep, the sound of cars and trucks disturbed the family’s peaceful home. “I’m a light sleeper,” Rick said, “and I could hear every truck that went by in the house, all night long, every day. I said ‘we need to do something about this,’ and I contacted the Door Store. Kay and I met with them and I said ‘we need to have some sound deadening.’”

The Solutions: New Windows and Doors

We knew that updating the original vinyl windows to a Marvin wood-clad window would be a huge improvement, but simply switching the windows and doors wasn’t going to solve the problem completely.

Noise reduction glazing on glass windows and doors helps reduce sound drastically. We researched all the options of glazing profiles to find the right solution for the family. Together, Rick and the Door Store and Windows team determined which glass and glazing options were most cost-effective.

The result was really impressive.

A close-up of the new windows.

A close-up of the new windows show the quality.

“Whisper Quiet”

One of the project’s primary goals was improving the family’s sleep, so the team focused on the bedrooms. We installed the same windows and glazing along with an additional storm window. Marvin builds their storm window right in, appearing as part of the window as opposed to an a separate piece. This combination made the couple’s bedroom “whisper quiet,” which resulted in an increased STC (Sound Transmission Class) rating by about 7 points.

With the windows finalized, we tackled the kitchen door to the back patio. We installed a 20-gage steel door with triple-glazed glass and added foam insulation all around the frame, so that all the air pockets were filled.

New Marvin Windows

Glazing was added to the family’s windows.

The Result

The resulting noise abatement and the decreased energy bills impressed our customer. The new doors and windows brought down the family’s energy usage significantly, a great byproduct of fixing their initial problem.

Rick also commented on the service he received from our team. He appreciated that our installation team is made up of Door Store and Windows employees, and that they are not an outsourced vendor. Our team’s attention to detail and respect for the home was evident.

We’re pleased to be able to offer a noise abatement solution to our customer. We wish them many more happy, peaceful, and quiet years together. Are you curious about our window installation process? Learn more here. 

Intentionally Inconsistent: Mixed Hardware Finishes

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A recent customer approached us about her St. Matthews home. The home was built in the early 1930s and her recent renovation aimed to modernize it, while keeping the original aesthetic in place. A challenge? Not really.

There is no rule that says all hardware within a home must match. In fact, adding different finishes around the house, when done thoughtfully, can really add a new layer of design and interest within a home.

For this client, she was intentional not only about design, but also about her specific needs as related to both window and door hardware throughout the interior and exterior of the home.

Brushed nickel hardware on the window matches the stainless steel appliances in the kitchen.

With stainless steel appliances in the kitchen, she felt brushed nickel hardware worked best and maintained consistency throughout the room. In other parts of the house, darker hardware was used due to touches of dark accents in each room.

Oil-rubbed bonze is considered a “living finish.”

On her beautifully adorned brand-new back patio, she brought in the darker hardware with an oil-rubbed bronze. Oil-rubbed bronze is what’s known as a “living finish” which means it is uncoated with a sealant and will naturally oxidize over time to show a unique patina on the finish. It will transform slightly over time through exposure to the environment and regular use. Some refer to a living finish as a way for hardware to age gracefully, adding personality and charm to the doorknob over the years. This works in this beautiful space.

Dark bronze is sealed and perfect for doors in high-traffic areas.

For a more utilitarian approach, she selected a dark bronze doorknob for what is probably the door with the heaviest usage. Her side door is where she most enters the house from the car as she comes and goes throughout each day. For this reason, the dark bronze is the right fit as it is sealed and no patina or aging is expected. The color on a dark bronze piece of hardware will remain constant for years to come.

Finally, the question became what to do with the hardware on her front door. Original to the home, this brass doorknob really seemed to work. Our salesperson guided the homeowner to keep what “wasn’t broken” and continue using this ornate door knob which really serves as a jewel to the home – and it works with the design and in conjunction with the rest of the house. A nod to the past, this doorknob reminds all who enter that although this home is updated and current, it has a history which should be respected and enjoyed throughout all of its future generations.

The original brass doorknob adds character and charm to the home.

If you are considering updating the hardware throughout your home, consider adding different finishes to meet your needs and work with your design. Our designers can help guide you to select the right choices that will bring you happiness every time you enter a room!

Customer Satisfaction, 12 Years Later!

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New doors and windows can be a big investment of time and money, but is that investment actually worthwhile? Recently we checked in with a Door Store and Windows customer who purchased twenty new Marvin windows for her home back in 2007. When we asked how the look and function of the windows compared to when they were first installed over a decade ago, she replied “I really can’t tell a difference.”

The Porter Family in front of their 12-year-old Marvin windows

When the Porters moved into their 90-year-old Louisville home in 2004, they knew that window replacements were on the horizon. They wanted windows that looked original to the home, but provided modern safety, energy efficiency, sound proofing, and temperature control. After looking into several local vendors, they decided to trust TDSW as an authorized installing retailer of Marvin windows.

After 12 years, these windows still look as good as new!

Once the Porters decided to move forward with Door Store and Windows, owner Ann Gregory visited Angela Porter in her home to look at the existing windows and discuss options. Angela recalls that this left a great impression on her as she had a young child at the time and visiting the Idea Showroom would have been difficult.

The Porters selected these Marvin windows because they were energy efficient, easy to clean, matched the style of the home.

The Marvin windows that the Porters selected had a historical feel and resembled the original windows in their home, with wood and framing color options that they could not find anywhere else. According to Angela, the installation process was quick and smooth. The windows offered immediate gratification and checked every box: beauty, safety, efficiency, and noise abatement. A bonus, she added, was the convenience of cleaning the easily removable windows.

The Porters also appreciated that Door Store and Windows is a local, family-owned company. In 2008, their home was damaged by a fallen tree, and while insurance covered the repairs, Angela recalls that TDSW representatives were quick to repair the broken windows to look exactly as they had before. If she had to do it all over again, she wouldn’t have changed a thing. “It isn’t inexpensive,” Angela said, “but it is worth it.” Door Store and Windows stands behind their products. Once the initial investment is made, our doors and windows will last, and if any problem comes up, we’ll will be there to fix it.

Let us help you love your windows. Call Door Store and Windows today!

Palladian Window Installation – Part Two

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Palladian Window Installation – Part Two!

Read part one of the Palladian window install blog here!

In our last post, we shared the initial stages of our largest window replacement to-date: a 10 ft by 17 ft, two-story Palladian window. One of the most important aspects of the installation was ensuring that the homeowner was without a window for as brief a time as possible. To guarantee a swift, safe, and secure installation, TDSW spent significant time in preparation. From start to finish, this Palladian window replacement took the TDSW crew three days.

Day 1

For the comfort and safety of the customer, it was vital that no part of the window remain open overnight. To ensure that the installation process could be completed in one day, the TDSW team spent the first day of the install in preparation, setting up and troubleshooting the installation process. Due to the size of the window, we built scaffolding so that the removal and install could happen quickly and safely on the second day. Once the prep work was complete, we were ready for the actual installation.

On day one we built scaffolding and did prep work to ensure that the window could be removed safely and easily on day two.

Day 2

On the second day, a team of six worked for approximately six hours carefully removing the old window and installing each piece of the new product. The glass in the old window was un-tempered and fragile, and this combined with the poor condition of the surrounding wood made the removal much more time-consuming than the installation. Once the old window was removed, the team installed the new product from the bottom up. By the end of the day, the window was fully installed and ready for finishing touches.

The old window had to be removed one pane at a time.

Day 3

On the final day, the team trimmed the new window and cleaned up the space. Casing was added to the interior, completing the look, while brick mold with an aluminum clad finish was added to the exterior. Finally, the team broke down the scaffolding and cleaned up any debris from installation.

The customer was delighted with the finished product!

Check out the time-lapse video of this project!

Door Store and Windows is proud to have the opportunity to replace the windows in your home, from the smallest to the largest statement windows. No matter the project, replacement, custom or new construction, TDSW is here to help. Give us a call today!

Door Store and Windows Rises to Any Challenge

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Palladian Window Replacement – Part One

With over twenty years of experience and a talented team of experts, Door Store and Windows (TDSW) is uniquely equipped to tackle even the most challenging installation projects. Recently, a client came to us after consulting with three other window replacement companies who were unable to complete their project. They asked us to replace their 25-year old, two-story Palladian window, and we were confident in our ability to make the client’s vision a reality.

Our largest replacement to-date: a two-story Palladian window.

To begin the process our Sales and Design Consultant, Karen, met with the client at their home to assess the window and evaluate the project needs. The window was severely rotted, and at 10 feet by 17 feet, it was the largest that we had ever replaced. During the visit, Karen took extensive measurements and then began the process of developing preliminary window drawings. Given its majestic size, Karen, Jim, and Craig of the TDSW team worked with the Marvin architectural team to engineer a custom replacement window built with structure and stability in mind.

The old window was severely rotted.

The homeowner wanted to preserve key design elements and the feel of the original window. We communicated with the client regularly during the design process, discussing options and architectural details to ensure the final product was a strong, durable window suited precisely to their tastes. Once the client was satisfied with the design, the Marvin team fabricated the window. A window of this size is too large to be transported in one piece, so it was designed to be installed in five sections at the job site.

The new window was designed to be installed in sections.

It’s not only custom designs and complex replacements that warrant this kind of thoughtful attention to detail. As a local business, we pride ourselves in treating each customer as a neighbor, being communicative, helpful, and willing to go above and beyond to solve any door or window design problem that you may have. Consistent customer service, no matter how large or small the project, is one of the many reasons why Door Store and Windows is your most trusted exterior design source.

Curious about the installation of the two-story Palladian window? Click here to read the rest of the story!

At Door Store and Windows, our goal is to provide peace of mind and customer satisfaction throughout the entire replacement process. If you have any questions, feel free to give us a call at (502) 822-5424.

Our Window Installation Process

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Quality Products Deserve Quality Installation

Replacing more than one window in your home may sound like a daunting project, but at Door Store and Windows we strive to make the replacement process as simple as possible for the homeowner. One important aspect of this is our efficient rolling installation.

During your window installation, the TDSW team breaks into two groups. Team A begins the installation process on the first window, removing the old and preparing the frame for the new. At the halfway point, team B begins removing the second window and preparing the frame. This way, as soon as team A finishes installing the first new window, the second is ready to be installed. This rolling process guarantees that the project is done quickly and efficiently without leaving your home vulnerable to the elements.

An installation project timeline depends on the number and type of windows you plan to replace. We are proud to say that we complete most of our installation projects in one to two days, causing as little disruption as possible.

Our window installation process consists of the following steps:

1. Team Arrival, Introduction, and Work Space Preparation

Our installation team consists of two to five people, depending on the size of the project. When the team arrives, they introduce themselves before preparing their work space. To contain debris, we place plastic sheeting on the floor and surrounding surfaces in each room. Our team lays a plastic walkway throughout the home so that our team members can carry heavy equipment without affecting your floor. As required by the EPA, we use additional coverage when replacing very old windows which have been covered with lead-based paint.

Plastic sheeting is placed around the window to be removed.

2. Verify Measurement

Before removing any windows, our team makes sure to re-measure the insert area and the new window. This guarantees that the correctly sized product was delivered and that we will be able to complete the project once we begin demolition.

Measuring A Replacement Window

A TDSW Installer measuring the window insert area.

3. Remove Old Window

After measurements are verified, our team carefully removes the first old window, preserving molding and surrounding areas.

The old windows are carefully removed.

4. Clean Insert Area

Once the old window is removed, our team cleans up any loose paint, dust, and other debris from the insert area. At this point in the demolition, you may be able to see inside your wall. This surprises some of our customers, but there’s no need to worry: our team will ensure that there are no signs of demolition once installation is complete.

The insert area is thoroughly cleaned before installation.

5. Installation

Our team carefully unloads the new windows, removes the packaging, and installs the product. Once the window is set and secured, we use spray foam insulation around the perimeter. This creates an energy-efficient seal. Then, we reapply the trim.

A TDSW Installer lifts the new window into place.

6. Clean-Up

After installation we clean up any debris, vacuum the area, and remove the plastic sheeting.

The finished product.

At Door Store and Windows, our goal is to provide peace of mind and customer satisfaction throughout the entire replacement process. Click here to learn more about the replacement process from consultation to install. If you have any questions, feel free to give us a call at (502) 822-5424.

Read about out our door replacement process by clicking here!

A Great Product That Won’t Break the Bank – TDSW Now Offers Sierra Pacific

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Sierra Pacific products add a modern touch to this rustic design

At Door Store and Windows (TDSW) we pride ourselves on offering our clients the highest quality products. That’s why we’re happy to present Sierra Pacific Windows to Louisville – a stylish product with a wide array of features and colors at a cost that won’t break your budget.

We are particularly excited to offer this product line to our professional partners. As you know, building a home is an extremely involved process, and it is important to meet the project budget while still providing a quality product for the client. Sierra Pacific is extremely cost effective for new construction and remodeling projects while still offering homeowners an array of features and colors to customize and match their personal style. For example, their wood/aluminum clad products are available in 75 different exterior color options, plus the products include a 20 year warranty for rot.

“Sierra Pacific gives us the ability to provide a good quality and diverse line of products and options to match the budget needs of more builders and homeowners than we previously could,” says Ann Gregory, TDSW Co-Owner. “It completes our lineup of fine products at a variety of price points.”

Much like TDSW, Sierra Pacific is family owned and committed to making their buying process a true partnership for all involved. They are responsive, easy to work with and always have their customers’ best interests in mind.

A black finish allows the windows to stand out among the brick finishes on this home

Sierra Pacific Windows is owned by Sierra Pacific Industries, and are made using lumber harvested from the company’s 1.9 million acres of timberland in California and Washington. As the largest vertically integrated window manufacturer in the world, their seed-to-window manufacturing approach is a reflection of their dedication to sustainability and product integrity. Sierra Pacific plants every seed, manages every acre of land and harvests every piece of lumber used in their products.

TDSW will work with you to pick the best products for your project. Our New Construction team is here to help whether you are interested in Sierra Pacific or the many other products we offer. Give us a call to talk about your upcoming project and how we can help!

Budget Conscious Replacement Window Options Help Revive A Diamond In the Rough

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While searching for their first home, Brad and Amber found their diamond in the rough in Louisville’s Highlands neighborhood. The house, a classic bungalow in a desired neighborhood, with tons of charm — including Prairie style grilles on the windows – felt like the right fit. But this home was a distressed property on the foreclosure list, and would need a complete renovation. Brad, being the General Manager of Vincent Abell Contracting, was excited and prepared to tackle this project.

When searching for replacement windows for this renovation, Brad turned to our own Don Erickson to assist the couple throughout the remodeling process. “We love Don. He was patient and helped us make decisions when Amber and I had different opinions. He made several trips here to discuss our window options and his ideas were always helpful.”

Technology, Value, And A Historical Fit

Don steered Brad and Amber toward Integrity Windows with Ultrex pultruded fiberglass technology. He knew the couple were drawn to leading edge technology, and looking for a great value. The Integrity Wood/Ultrex windows fit beautifully with the bungalow-style home, and the homes in the surrounding neighborhood, from a historic standpoint. The Wood interiors helped maintain the historic look inside, while the Ultrex fiberglass exterior provided a low maintenance option with extreme durability. Every window in the home was replaced; so finding a product that was a good value was important to keep the project within the budget. 

Don also suggested changing the window configurations in several areas, which worked out great for the home and budget. “We were able to cut some costs and still got all of the windows we needed,” Brad commented. 

Customized Windows

Both awning and casement windows were selected over traditional double-hung windows for added usability and to conserve space. 

The two windows on either side of this fireplace were converted to awning windows to allow space for built-in bookcases. These windows, and their custom prairie grilles, maintained the home’s architectural style while allowing natural light and fresh breezes into the space.

In the dining room, awning windows were located at a position high on the wall to maintain privacy while allowing plenty of light and ventilation, while maintaining privacy, as the home is situated very close to a neighboring home.

Award Winning Results 

In 2014 we nominated this incredible renovation for the Integrity Red Diamond Achiever Awards, and it won the People’s Choice division. Open to builders, remodelers and architects, the Red Diamond Achiever People’s Choice national award program was based on voting by the public and opened with 210 entries from across the US.

If you’re searching for budget conscious replacement window options, give us a contact us or stop by our Louisville window and door showroom. We’d love to help. Interested in reading some more of our content? Check out our blog about the rules of proportion and scale for windows!

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The Curious Ways Windows Open

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Right now you’re probably wondering if we really need instructions on something as basic as opening windows. But, if you’ve been researching new or replacement windows in the Louisville area, you’ve likely learned that there are hundreds of types, styles, and materials on the market. There are even multiple ways to open them. We’re here to help you dig through the all of the information so that you can understand the basic functions of each window type, and which may be best for your home.

Let’s start with 5 of the most popular types of windows, and explore how they open:

Double Hung Windows are one of the most common window types you will find. They feature top and bottom sashes that both open, and allow you to double your ventilation. These classic windows are also available with a half round or an elliptical upper sash.

Click here to see Laurie Scarborough, one of our owners, demonstrate these windows.

Picture Windows are typically fixed windows that do not open. They get their name because they are clear glass that is situated in the home to look out at something you’d like to see, so as to frame your view. Much like a picture. Thus, the name.

You may be surprised to learn that we have a “fake fixed” picture window in our Shelbyville Road showroom. Laurie has more on these tricky windows HERE.

Casement Windows are found in homes of all ages all over Louisville. A casement window is a window with a sash that is hinged. While the most common type is hinged on the side, hinges can also be placed on the top or bottom. Many casement windows have cranks, but in those found in older homes in areas such as the Highlands—you’ll find casement windows that work when pushed out.

A great, but less common, type of casement window is one that is hinged at the top. We most often recommend these for a bathroom space, as the top hinge and obscure glass offer both ventilation and privacy. Let Laurie show you more on opening these windows HERE.

Gliding Windows are windows that function much like a sliding door, sliding or gliding into place on a track. If you live in a Mid-Century Modern home — built in the 1950’s or 1960’s — you may have this type of window. If so, we can help replace your windows while staying true to your home’s architectural integrity.

The gliding window in our showroom is a bi-parting sliding window, that opens in both directions.  Laurie has more on opening gliding windows HERE.

Tilt Turn Windows are one of the more fun and unique window options. These were designed and engineered in Europe…and found all over the continent. Tilt Turn windows work in two ways, the first is much like a door. In fact, in Europe they are often large enough to function as a door as well as a window. The second function works by tilting the window upward and in for ventilation. It looks much like a hopper window, with the hinges at the bottom.

Laurie has more on opening these unique windows HERE.

As you have seen, there are a lot of ways to open your windows! New windows can enhance the beauty of your home, improve its value, as well as help reduce energy costs and maintenance. We hope this information has helped you understand the various functions a bit better. If you’re ready to take the next step in buying new windows for your home, give us a call. We’d love to help. Interested in reading some more of our content? Check out our blog about choosing the perfect exterior window shutters for your home!